Serbia needs to “get concrete about joining” the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, October 15th, urging respect for the rule of law, electoral reforms, media freedom and—last, but not least–—imposing sanctions on Moscow.
Von der Leyen told at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade that
the EU needs to see greater alignment in our foreign policy, including on sanctions against Russia.
The Commission chief said the necessary reforms take “patience and endurance” but urged Vučić to adopt an inclusive approach and lay the foundations for a “more stable and peaceful society.”
Meanwhile, as Serbia’s long–term gas deal with Moscow is set to expire at the end of the year, von der Leyen highlighted the solidarity the EU showed toward its member states and Western Balkan partners after Russia launched its war against Ukraine.
It had a devastating impact across our entire continent, but we faced it together.
